The grieving family of the Weekes triplets – killed last month in the Qatar mall fire – have farewelled their toddlers at a memorial service in New Zealand.

Three small coffins, in pink, blue and purple – each of the triplets’ favourite colours – were adorned with flowers and toys in St Paul’s Cathedral in Wellington on Friday, as hundreds paid their respects to the two-year-olds.

Lillie, Jackson and Willsher Weekes were among 19 people killed – 13 of them children – in a fire in the Villaggio Mall in Doha on May 28.

Their parents, Martin and Jane, their voices breaking, recalled each of their “three little monkeys”, with their different personalities, endearing traits and foibles.

“Three very special, yet very different little people … each perfect in their own little way. Lillie, Jackson, Willsher, mummy and daddy will always love you and the joy you brought into our lives,” Mr Weekes said.

The triplets were born in Wellington in 2010.

“From the day they left the hospital they slept, ate, bathed, played, laughed and travelled together,” Mr Weekes said.

The family had travelled more than 100,000km together.

“Exploring the world as a family together, the happiest days of our lives.”

Grandfather Ron Turner spoke of his heartbreak on learning the three had died in the Doha mall fire.

“There are no words to ever describe how Jane and Martin and the family are feeling,” he said.